The Central Coast of Kauai has no shortage when it comes to fresh, delicious sushi. With great restaurants like Sensei Sushi, Sushi Bushido and more, there’s a sushi spot for everyone new and old. So whether you’re looking for sashimi, nigiri, teriyaki dishes, tempura dishes or just a traditional sushi roll, Kauai has it all. Here are our top spots for best sushi near and around Lihue, Kapa’a, and Hokuala.
But wait, there’s more. We’re here to help demystify some of the unusual words you might see on menus like furikake, laulau and lilikoi — and explain which meat is being served and why. And possibly most importantly of all, provide the fun facts on the origins of local dishes.
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Feature Photo Courtesy of Louis Hansel on Unsplash
4-788 Kuhio Hwy., Kapaʻa
(808) 826-9701
The concept here is simple — sushi and burgers. Kenji Burger’s menu is Japanese fusion, and it’s not your typical way to enjoy sushi, but it’s definitely worth a try! Sushi burritos, sushi bowls and teriyaki burgers all make for a great meal. Kenji Burger is open Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday 11am to 8:30pm and Friday and Saturday 11am to 9pm. Closed Tuesdays.
Looking for a great sushi food truck in the northeast of Kauai? Look no further than House of Sushi Food Truck Kapa’a. The food is centered right alongside the ocean, so customers can enjoy their sushi with a view of the Pacific Ocean waves hitting the coastline. The staff is one of the friendliest on the island, making sure each customer gets their fish the freshest and fastest it can be. Some of their special house sushi rolls include the Poipu Rainbow Roll, Spiderman Roll, and the Crunchy Paradise Roll along with many other delicious rolls.
Sensei Sushi is the ultimate sushi restaurant for anyone who lives or is traveling in the northeast section of Kauai. They serve everything from salads, sushi, nigiri, sashimi, maki rolls, and hand rolls, just to name a few. Customers can even order food online at their website for pickup. Some of their most popular menu options are the spider roll, which is a soft shell crab tempura that comes with cucumber, avocado, and eel sauce, along with the Kauai roll which is stuffed with spicy tuna, spicy crab stick, avocado wrapped in pink soybean Pepper, salmon on top with eel, spicy mayo, hot chili, and tobiko.
4-484 Kuhio Hwy., Kapaʻa
(808) 822-0664
Chef Victor Heresa Jr. was born and raised on Kauai, and his Sushi Bushido is not your average sushi bar. Heresa has blended contemporary, new wave and traditional sushi style to create a distinctive menu that both locals and visitors love. Nigiri and sashimi combos are always a good way to go, but don’t miss the house specialties like the Golden Roll, the Butter Me Up and the Full Moon rolls. The menu also features teriyaki and tempura dishes. Open Monday to Saturday 4pm to 9pm. Closed Sunday.